Hypermanarrhea

From the archives of the University of Magic and Sciences

Hypermanarrhea (colloquially known as Mage's Madness) is the extreme form of the process of Manarrhea. Symptoms depends on the magnitude of the mage's mana deficit, among other factors. Typically, a shattering of the mind occurs alongside a gradual degradation of various areas of the Cerebral Cortex. In Major Hypermanarrhea, this shattering reduces the subject to a feral and hostile state, though they are still able to use magic. Despite the fact that all practitioners are susceptible to Hypermanarrhea when using more magical energy than they are capable of producing, not much is known about the affliction.

Causes

Hypermanarrhea occurs when a practitioner of magic utilizes a spell or technique that requires more magical energy than the practitioner has stored at the time of execution, thus exceeding the rate of typical manarrhea. The affliction is not immediate, however, and depending on the severity of the deficit, symptoms may not develop for up to 7-8 months after the inciting incident, though an extensive deficit can result in immediate affliction. Research has yet to determine if there is a limit to how deeply one can be in deficit before the symptoms and the severity of the affliction begin to plateau.

Symptoms

There are a large number of symptoms associated with Hypermanarrhea, but they have all been traced to a few core symptoms stemming from a deterioration of the Cerebral Cortex, namely Wernicke's Area, the Association Cortices, the amygdala, the insula, the periaqueductal gray, and other areas. Symptoms associated with this deterioration include a regression of the consciousness into a feral and hostile state of mind and being. In association with this, subjects exhibit vastly increased physical strength and magical aptitude, as well as a strong impulsion towards consuming raw mana, typically sourcing it from natural crystals or the remains of living beings.

Prognosis

While the degradation of the brain and the eventual regression of the mind are both inevitable under most circumstances, it has been noted that it is possible to reverse the condition if the deficit is not too great, typically through eliminating the deficit of magical energy. However, if the deficit is not severe but there is no way to quickly eliminate the deficit, the symptoms will progress over the course of 7-8 months, with the subject slowly losing memories and self-control, and suffering a gradually increasing "cap" to their normal casting aptitude.

Affected Groups

This affliction is limited only to those who can utilize magic.

Prevention

Though there is still little known about the affliction, the best (and currently only) method of preventing Hypermanarrhea is for one to be aware of the upper limits of their casting aptitude, and to have mana supplements on hand should they expect to approach that upper limit in a relatively short amount of time.

Cultural Reception

While those who suffer from Hypermanarrhea are typically shamed and scolded by their peers and superiors, as the managing of one's mana is considered a basic skill, those who are consumed by Acute Hypermanarrhea are rightfully feared, and are typically killed on sight.

Type

Magical

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Rare